Turtle power

Honu Oceanside (Lahaina, Maui, HI)

GETAWAYS • Hawaii

The Backstory: Originally named Honu Seafood & Pizza when it opened in 2011, today Honu Oceanside is owned by four local friends — Justin, Kyle, Sean, and Josh — who elevated the spot from its casual beginnings. When the fires blazed through Lahaina in 2023, the restaurant was spared, but being in a burn area necessitated a 14-month closing. It reopened last October.

The Experience: The atmosphere is inviting, with locals and tourists mingling. A wraparound bar with guests sipping brightly colored cocktails greets you at the entrance. The entire back side is open, offering oceanfront views and ample opportunities for epic sunset views. Large parties are common, and appetizers, such as ahi poke and oysters, are shared among them. Let someone from Maui know you’re dining there, and they’ll tell you all about the ahi meatballs and the scallops in a shiitake beurre blanc. The catch is local, and the specials are often the move.

Why It’s FOUND: While much of Front Street in Lahaina is gone, there’s life at Honu Oceanside. The food is simply delicious, with a menu full of classic items and a few with novel variations. And on an island where there’s no shortage of poke, theirs stands out. –Dyana Lederman

→ Honu Oceanside (Lahaina, Maui, HI) • 1295 Front St • Reserve.